I am Dr. Charles Apoki, and I want to address an alarming trend that has emerged in our society. Scammers are exploiting the fear and insecurity in the nation to target public figures with death threats and intimidation tactics. Today, I will share my personal experiences and provide insights on how to respond to such threats.
Understanding the Context
Nigeria is a nation grappling with insecurity and fear, fueled by both leadership failures and societal issues. Some individuals are taking advantage of this atmosphere to carry out scams and intimidation. These scammers prey on the weak and attempt to silence the bold, using fear as their weapon.
Three Incidents of Threats I Encountered
A Gang Member’s Threat: One day, I received a message from someone claiming to be a gang member living near me. He warned me not to contact the police and demanded money, threatening harm if I didn’t comply. My response was simple: “You’ve met the wrong person. I do not fear death.”
I made it clear that I operate with three layers of backup:
Documentation of sensitive information: In case of harm, this would be released, causing repercussions for the perpetrators.
My supporters: Dedicated individuals who stand firmly behind me.
The general populace: The public who respect and uphold my work.
After confronting the scammer and warning him of consequences, he admitted he was a university student desperate for money. I stopped the tracking process, but my message was clear: “Don’t look for my trouble.”
A Soldier’s Threat: Following a critical post I made about soldiers’ actions, I received a threatening message from someone in the military. I informed him that my classmates and associates include admirals and generals who could intervene on my behalf. Within minutes, I had detailed information about him – his school history, his mother’s address, and even his prior misconducts. Faced with this knowledge, he apologized profusely.
A Midnight Call from a Scammer: Another individual called me at midnight, issuing vague threats about being sent to harm me. My response? I told him to come and try. Using my intelligence network, I tracked his location and discovered he was part of a group targeting public figures for extortion. This individual eventually stopped calling after realizing I was not an easy target.
Lessons for Public Figures and the General Public
Do Not Succumb to Fear: Scammers thrive on creating panic. Remaining calm and confident disarms them.
Have Backups and Support Systems: Ensure you have trusted networks and contingency plans to protect yourself.
Leverage Technology and Intelligence: Use available resources to identify and expose scammers. Knowledge is power.
Conquer Fear Through Faith and Courage: Walking in faith and being unafraid of threats gives you the strength to stand for truth and justice.
A Message to Scammers and Oppressors
Targeting individuals who speak the truth will not solve societal problems. Killing or silencing outspoken individuals will not lower the price of goods or alleviate the suffering of the masses. Your actions only serve to deepen the nation’s woes and highlight your own cowardice.
Final Thoughts
As public figures, we must remain vigilant and fearless. Scammers and oppressors may attempt to use fear as a weapon, but standing firm in truth and relying on God’s protection will see us through. No weapon fashioned against us shall prosper, and any tongue that rises against us is condemned.
Remember, we also have opportunities to improve ourselves and our communities. Join our upcoming webinar on January 10th and 11th to learn lessons they won’t teach you in Harvard or Cambridge. Register today and take a step toward empowerment.
Stay strong, stay bold, and keep standing for truth. God bless Nigeria.
